Department of Neurology https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:47:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 CAR T Cell Therapy Poised to Transform Autoimmune Disease Treatment https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/car-t-cell-therapy-autoimmune-disease-treatment/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:47:24 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22371 A groundbreaking clinical trial featured in Nature Medicine’s “Eleven Clinical Trials That Will Shape Medicine in 2026” is redefining the future of autoimmune disease treatment. The study, led by Dr. James Howard and Cartesian Therapeutics, explores the use of mRNA-based CAR T cell therapy for myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that disrupts communication between … Read more

The post CAR T Cell Therapy Poised to Transform Autoimmune Disease Treatment appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> A groundbreaking clinical trial featured in Nature Medicine’s “Eleven Clinical Trials That Will Shape Medicine in 2026” is redefining the future of autoimmune disease treatment. The study, led by Dr. James Howard and Cartesian Therapeutics, explores the use of mRNA-based CAR T cell therapy for myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing debilitating weakness and fatigue.

Unlike traditional CAR T therapies used in cancer, which involve permanent DNA edits, this innovative approach uses mRNA to temporarily program T cells, reducing long-term risks such as cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) and Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS). The therapy targets BCMA-expressing plasma cells, producers of harmful antibodies, while sparing the broader immune system—avoiding the side effects of conventional immunosuppressants.

Early results from the phase 2b trial are promising:

  • 57% of patients achieved minimal symptom expression by month 6, maintaining remission through month 12.
  • Treatment consists of six short weekly infusions, and some participants have remained symptom-free for over a year.

If confirmed in the ongoing phase 3 trial, this therapy could become a first-line outpatient treatment, offering durable relief without the burden of chronic immunosuppression. Beyond myasthenia gravis, researchers believe this mRNA CAR T platform could extend to other autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

The post CAR T Cell Therapy Poised to Transform Autoimmune Disease Treatment appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=5162 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:08:55 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22349 This study will gather information about patients who are taking new medicines for Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll keep an eye on how these patients are doing in the long run, tracking things like how they’re responding to treatment, what their overall health outcomes are like, and how safe these new treatments really are when used in … Read more

The post Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> This study will gather information about patients who are taking new medicines for Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll keep an eye on how these patients are doing in the long run, tracking things like how they’re responding to treatment, what their overall health outcomes are like, and how safe these new treatments really are when used in the real world. The goal of this study is to get a better understanding of how these therapies actually work for a diverse group of people, not just the people who usually participate in clinical trials.

The post Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET) appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Efficacy and Safety of Remibrutinib Compared to Teriflunomide in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) (REMODEL-2) https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/rms-remodel-2/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:49:01 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22346 Brief Summary To compare the efficacy and safety of remibrutinib versus teriflunomide in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) Detailed Description The study CLOU064C12302 consists of an initial Core Part (CP) (maximum duration per participant of up to 30 months), followed by an Extension Part (EP, of up to 5 years duration) for eligible participants. … Read more

The post Efficacy and Safety of Remibrutinib Compared to Teriflunomide in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) (REMODEL-2) appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Brief Summary

To compare the efficacy and safety of remibrutinib versus teriflunomide in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS)

Detailed Description

The study CLOU064C12302 consists of an initial Core Part (CP) (maximum duration per participant of up to 30 months), followed by an Extension Part (EP, of up to 5 years duration) for eligible participants.

The Core Part is a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active comparator-controlled, fixed-dose, parallel-group, multi-center study in approximately 800 participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

The Extension Part is an open-label, single-arm, fixed-dose design in which eligible participants are treated with remibrutinib for up to 5 years.

A second study of identical design (CLOU064C12301) will be conducted simultaneously. Both studies will be conducted globally and data from the two studies will be pooled for some of the endpoints.

For more information or to register for the study, contact Study Coordinator Marleny Nolasco

Marleny Nolasco

The post Efficacy and Safety of Remibrutinib Compared to Teriflunomide in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS) (REMODEL-2) appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Pediatric Ravulizumab Study https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=5087 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:39:22 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22344 A phase 3, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of Ravulizumab administered intravenously in pediatric participants (6 to <18 years of age) with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

The post Pediatric Ravulizumab Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> A phase 3, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of Ravulizumab administered intravenously in pediatric participants (6 to <18 years of age) with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

The post Pediatric Ravulizumab Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Non-Invasive Brain Activity Recording and Behavior Research Study https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=5063 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:19:42 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22341 The purpose of this research study is to learn if and how non-invasive brain stimulation influences motivation problems in Parkinson’s disease. Men and women aged 55-80 years with Parkinson’s disease for at least 5 years can join the study. There are three study visits. Participation will involve answering questions, doing exercises where you squeeze a … Read more

The post Non-Invasive Brain Activity Recording and Behavior Research Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> The purpose of this research study is to learn if and how non-invasive brain stimulation influences motivation problems in Parkinson’s disease. Men and women aged 55-80 years with Parkinson’s disease for at least 5 years can join the study. There are three study visits. Participation will involve answering questions, doing exercises where you squeeze a joystick to earn “rewards”, recording of your brain activity, and receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

The post Non-Invasive Brain Activity Recording and Behavior Research Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> ARGX-113-2011 https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=5038 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:15:25 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22339 A Phase 3, Single-Arm, Multicenter, Open-label Extension of Study ARGX-113-2007 to Investigate the Long-term Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Efgartigimod PH20 SC in Participants Aged 18 Years and Older With Active Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy

The post ARGX-113-2011 appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> A Phase 3, Single-Arm, Multicenter, Open-label Extension of Study ARGX-113-2007 to Investigate the Long-term Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Efgartigimod PH20 SC in Participants Aged 18 Years and Older With Active Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy

The post ARGX-113-2011 appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Parkinson’s Disease Motivation Study https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=5054 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:11:19 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22337 Apathy, defined as lack of enthusiasm or concern for previously exciting or interesting things, is a very common, debilitating, often refractory symptom, and is associated with poor outcomes in neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, is effective in treating depression but has had limited study in apathy. … Read more

The post Parkinson’s Disease Motivation Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Apathy, defined as lack of enthusiasm or concern for previously exciting or interesting things, is a very common, debilitating, often refractory symptom, and is associated with poor outcomes in neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, is effective in treating depression but has had limited study in apathy. The current study will use a motivated behavioral task and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the use of TMS in apathy related to Parkinson’s disease.

The post Parkinson’s Disease Motivation Study appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Lumosa BRIGHT https://researchforme.unc.edu/index.php/en/study-details?rcid=4550 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:07:39 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22335 A Phase II, Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of LT3001 Drug Product in Subjects with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) (BRIGHT)

The post Lumosa BRIGHT appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> A Phase II, Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of LT3001 Drug Product in Subjects with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) (BRIGHT)

The post Lumosa BRIGHT appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> Rett Syndrome Real World Data Observational Registry https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/rett-syndrome-real-world-data-observational-registry/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:04:18 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22330 The Rett Syndrome Registry is a longitudinal observational study of individuals with MECP2 mutations and a diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Designed together with the IRSF Rett Syndrome Center of Excellence Network medical directors, this study collects data on the signs and symptoms of Rett syndrome as reported by the Rett syndrome experts and by the … Read more

The post Rett Syndrome Real World Data Observational Registry appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> The Rett Syndrome Registry is a longitudinal observational study of individuals with MECP2 mutations and a diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Designed together with the IRSF Rett Syndrome Center of Excellence Network medical directors, this study collects data on the signs and symptoms of Rett syndrome as reported by the Rett syndrome experts and by the caregivers of individuals with Rett syndrome. This study will be used to develop consensus based guidelines for the care of your loved ones with Rett syndrome and to facilitate the development of better clinical trials and other aspects of the drug development path for Rett syndrome.

The post Rett Syndrome Real World Data Observational Registry appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]> UNC Neurology Celebrates Dr. Chhitij Tiwari, Recipient of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/chhitij-tiwari-2025-kaiser-excellence-in-teaching-award/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:47:05 +0000 https://www.med.unc.edu/neurology/?p=22323 The UNC Department of Neurology is proud to recognize Chhitij Tiwari, M.D. for being honored with a 2025 Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award during the UNC School of Medicine’s Fall Convocation & Awards Ceremony on July 30, 2025. Established by the UNC School of Medicine Class of 2000, the Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching … Read more

The post UNC Neurology Celebrates Dr. Chhitij Tiwari, Recipient of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]>

Neurology Adult Resident, Dr. Chhitij Tiwari speaking to Dr. Brandon Waters.

The UNC Department of Neurology is proud to recognize Chhitij Tiwari, M.D. for being honored with a 2025 Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award during the UNC School of Medicine’s Fall Convocation & Awards Ceremony on July 30, 2025.

Established by the UNC School of Medicine Class of 2000, the Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Awards spotlight residents and interns who demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm for medical education—those who engage students in meaningful clinical decision-making and actively foster their involvement as part of the care team. Dr. Tiwari was selected by UNC medical students for his outstanding commitment to mentorship, his approach to teaching, and the positive learning environment he cultivates within the Neurology rotation.

The Neurology Department is thrilled to see Dr. Tiwari’s dedication recognized. His leadership, clinical expertise, and passion for teaching embody the values we strive to uphold as educators and clinicians.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tiwari on this well‑deserved honor and in celebrating his contributions to medical student education and the UNC Neurology community.

The post UNC Neurology Celebrates Dr. Chhitij Tiwari, Recipient of the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award appeared first on Department of Neurology.

]]>